Blaylock Johnson
Blaylock Johnson of Logan passed away, surrounded by
many loving family members, at his home in Logan on
December 1, 2006.
Born December 24, 1921, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, he was
the third of seven children born to Clarence Frithiof
and Annie Blaylock Johnson.
Blaylock attended Eagle Rock Elementary in Idaho Falls
and High School in Shelley, Idaho, graduating in 1940.
He married his high school sweetheart, Reba Tew, in
1940. In 1941, he was sealed to her in the Salt Lake
Temple. Near the end of World War II in 1945, he was
activated into military service as a Rifleman
Instructor at Fort Hood, Texas. In serving his country
he left his wife and four young children at home.
Blay was a retired farmer and school teacher. His
farming years were on the family farms and dairy north
of Shelley. During the early to mid 1950’s, he helped
develop and operate a large potato growing operation
west of Blackfoot. Later, he worked a smaller farm
north of Blackfoot.
In 1963, he moved his family to Smithfield, Utah, to
begin a new life as a university student and,
eventually, a teacher for 20 years. He and Reba
graduated together from the USU College of Education
in 1966. In 1969, they completed Masters’ degrees in
Special Education. He taught in Brigham City, at Utah
State University, and at Sandridge Junior High School
in Roy. He is remembered for his compassion with and
great ability to assist students who often found
school difficult. Former students credit him for
their success in school and life.
Blaylock was an active member of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many
capacities, including; Bishopric, High Priest leader
and teacher. His scouting began at a young age, and at
age 16 he received the rank of Eagle Scout. Later, he
worked as a scout leader with different scout groups
in the Teton Peaks Council. He was an experienced
backpacker and fisherman. He often hiked with scout
troops into the Teton wilderness and the Bechler area
of Yellowstone. He received the Silver Beaver award
for dedicated service to youth.
After retirement at 65, Blaylock and Reba were able to
make several trips visiting many parts of the world.
They made new friends wherever they traveled.
Between 1989 and 1991, Blay and Reba served in the
Coventry England Mission. For nine years after their
mission, they were officiators in the Logan Temple.
Family members will remember him as a gracious, loving
and kind father and husband who demonstrated
unconditional love and compassion to all. He was
never too busy to spend time with children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even as he
knew the time was nigh, he was often heard to inquire
as to the well-being of family members. He helped
make these moments on earth more pleasant and
meaningful for friends and family.
Blaylock is survived by his wife of 65 years, Reba
Tew, and their 10 children: Steven (Amy) Honeyville, Utah; Marilyn Beck (Darrell) Idaho Falls, Idaho; Brent
(Marilyn) Ogden, Utah; Sheryl Roper Hodges (Kirk)
North Logan, Utah; Lynette Dickey (David) Millville,
Utah; Nolan, Redondo Beach, California; Bryce (Robyn)
Boise, Idaho; Rosemary Christiansen (Clair) Newton, Utah; Bryan (Debbie) Orem, Utah; Ranae Wyatt (Gary),
Emporia, Kansas; 38 grandchildren and 53
great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother,
Rene Johnson and a sister, Janice Muir. He was
preceded in death by his parents, two grandchildren,
one brother (Don) and three sisters (Faun, Ruth,
Ilogene).
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday,
December 7, 2006 at the Lundstrom Park First Ward,
1260 North 1600 East Logan, Utah.
A viewing will be held Wednesday evening from 6:00 to
8:00 P.M at Allen-Cranney Mortuary, 420 East 1800 North, North Logan, Utah. A short viewing will also
be held from 9:00 until 10:00 at the Lundstrom Park
First Ward on Thursday.
Interment will be at approximately 3:00 P.M. in the
Fielding Memorial Cemetery in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Military rites will be performed by the Bonneville
County Veteran’s Team. Family and friends are invited
to gather at the Shelley First Ward Church immediately
following interment.
The family wishes to express sincere appreciation for
the kind and thoughtful services rendered by Helen
Zollinger and Intermountain Hospice. Condolences may
be sent to the family at Allen Mortuaries.